Families looking to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with a beloved local tradition should mark their calendars for the 23rd Annual Vogel State Park Christmas Program and Tree Lighting this Saturday, Dec. 13.
Hayrides will kickstart festivities at 4 p.m., with special music and activities starting at 4:15 p.m. on the Lake Trahlyta Pavilion. The main events – the Christmas Program and Tree Lighting – are set to run between 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. at the pavilion.
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2025 heralds the program’s return to the state park after construction of the new Vogel Visitor Center called for last year’s festivities to be moved to Meeks Park. The beautiful new center has since been completed.
Longtime organizer Janet Hill said she was grateful for Meeks Park hosting the event, and everything went smoothly between the warmer weather and happy visitors. Still, it is a relief to be back in familiar territory.
For about two decades, the Christmas Program took place in the ball field at Vogel, but weather and construction have called for a slight change in plans over the past few years.
“Maybe next year they’re going to try to resod all that and get some more parking somewhere else,” Hill said, suggesting that the old location shouldn’t be totally written off.
As a truly community-organized event, about 10 churches will step up to the plate to provide volunteers or help bake and hand out cookies, hot chocolate and apple cider. Refreshments are free, as is the rest of the program, including crafts for children.
Along with church involvement, organizations like the Christian Motorcycle Association will also lend a helping hand, and back by popular demand, Knoxville musician Justin Terry will grace the stage again this year, with Michael & Ami Young and Mike & Cheri Young rounding out the musical programming.
Though not much has changed, 2025 will feature a live manger scene with Mary, Joseph and some angels. This fits in with the general theme of the event, which is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Hill firmly believes, “We’re just blessed we can do this in our state park,” considering that celebrations of faith may not be allowed in other counties. “It’s a faith-based (event).”
On that note, an important aspect of the program is showing that Santa Claus himself is a Christian. Although he is there to spread Christmas cheer, Hill said the jolly old elf will read from the Gospel of Luke to share the story of Jesus’ humble beginnings and what He means for humanity.
“I thought, kids need to hear him say it’s not all about presents or food or trees and that kind of thing. So, he will be doing the Bible story about the birth of Jesus,” explained Hill.
The longstanding traditions of handing out gifts to the youngest and oldest people in attendance will also make a return, Hill said. This focus on community and serving one another is where the joy of Vogel’s Christmas Program lies.
Attributing its success to the many souls invested in making the Christmas Program special, Hill said this year has seen a surge in participation. Vogel State Park Manager Jack Becker and Vogel Volunteers President Stephanie Gray have come together with Hill to foster enthusiasm, and this year saw 19 people at the annual organizational meeting.
“I don’t have to beg anybody to work out there; they all just can’t wait to do it. They love doing it,” Hill stated, anticipating more than 70 volunteers to come out and give freely of their time on the big night.
What’s more, the Christmas Program has allowed others to feel hope they may not have previously known or that’s been missing for some time. Redemption Point Recovery Center is a ministry that serves jails, rehabilitation programs and homeless shelters. They offer help overcoming addiction, and some of the members of the program have been some of Hill’s greatest helpers.
“They’ve been helping me (for the past three years) get everything set up and decorating, and it’s really good to watch them interact with the church people out there. You know, our people love for them to come, and they’re really good guys,” Hill noted. “They’ve done a lot of work to help us.”
Come and meet them this Saturday, and show up a little early, before 5:30 p.m., to enjoy some extra time listening to festive tunes; all booths will be closed by the time the program officially begins, so be sure to grab refreshments beforehand.
To honor the giving season, feel free to bring an unwrapped toy for a child under 12, although stay away from toy weapons. Toy donations will benefit the Union County Sheriff’s Office Give-A-Gift for Christmas Program.
